Dereck graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Communication and Media studies in 2022. He volunteered as a news contributor at CHUO 89.1 FM, and worked as a photojournalist for the francophone student newspaper La Rotonde. He has also been a member at the Digital Arts Resource Centre since 2019.
Dereck has been making music from the comfort of his bedroom since 2020. He releases Electronic and Hip/Hop music under the alias 13assa. His involvement in Produced by Youth, a music production workshop that provides a safe space for black youth in Ottawa to independently produce music, jump-started his music production journey and played an integral role in connecting him to the creative community in Ottawa.
In 2023, he performed at the summer edition of Pique with fellow Produced by Youth alumni Shaye A, singer/songwriter Salwa, and vocalist Tatiana. In 2024, he released his debut single titled Water 7.
DERECK BASSA